It's Germane

Friend's Annual House Tour July 7th – Updated

The Friends of the John Jermain Memorial Library will hold their tour of historic and otherwise interesting Sag Harbor homes on July 7th from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. It's still a bit early to buy tickets, and information about which houses are on the tour is not yet available. We just wanted to give you a heads up so that you can reserve the date. We will post here again when we have more information. Here's a photo of a house that was on last year's tour just to whet your appetite

The tour, a popular summer tradition in Sag Harbor for over 30 years, benefits the library.This year’s tour features six houses, four in Sag Harbor and two in North Haven. Among them are two historic houses along what is known as Captain’s Row (Main Street) in Sag Harbor.

One is the 1820s home of whaling Captain George S. Tooker, who sailed to Japan with Perry. It is an example of Greek revival architecture popular in the village in the 19th century. The large home features five fireplaces and unusual doors with a double cross pattern in them that are known as Sag Harbor doors.

Up the street is another example of the Greek revival style. While it’s a smaller house, it is a mirror image of its neighbor down the street. In the Tooker house, the main staircase is on the left and in this house it’s on the right. Both houses are steeped in history and are sure to be a delight to history buffs.

Another of the houses was featured in the book, “Gutted” written by the owner. He describes, with humor and a little rancor, his hands-on total renovation of this small, 1950s house. Tour-goers will enjoy viewing a number of "before” photographs of this little gem.

Hidden away behind a commercial building on a narrow lane sits a unique cottage featuring lots of hand-hewn bookcases and built-ins as well as many paintings by the homeowner’s late husband and her four daughters, one of whom is a local artist. There are numerous whimsical touches around house and garden, including a sign over a doorway proclaiming: “To Life Boats.” The homeowner describes her decorating style as “waifs and strays.”

North Haven Home on this Year's Tour

Over the bridge in North Haven, tour-goers will visit a newly constructed (2004) large house overlooking Genet’s Creek with views of Shelter Island Sound beyond it. The house was designed for entertaining. The lovely floors are Brazilian cherry wood.

Lastly is a 1940s house with a fabulous view overlooking Pols Creek and Noyac Bay. The homeowners bought it from 60 Minutes correspondent Steve Kroft and renovated it to their own specifications. Among the unique features are sliding bookcases in the great room, which close off an office and deck. Sliding mirrored French doors separate guest rooms from the rest of the house. The unusual gardens and landscaping add to the special character of this house. Tour-goers will be treated to refreshments – iced tea and cookies – on the patio here on tour day.

Tickets are available in advance at the library and The Wharf Shop on Main Street at $30 each. They will be available at the library only on tour day at $35 each.